May 19/02 12:14 pm - World Cup MTB #1

The men have finished the start loop and are heading out onto the course. Roland Green had a very good start and while Bart Brentjens is leading as they head for lap 1, Green is right on his wheel and they have already opened up a gap on the field. RYder Hesjedal did not have a good start and is currently sitting in 25th position. A tough spot to be in on this very tight course where there are not many opportunities to make up time and position.

Lap 1

At the 1/2 way point on Lap 1, there was a group of 15 established at the front. Martinez was leading it and Roland Green was there too. A second group had formed about 10 seconds back, (we think Ryder is in this group). Seamus McGrath was sitting 50th, Chris Sheppard 65th and Andreas Hestler 75th

3/4 way through lap 2

Brentjens is leading with a gap of 15 seconds on Martinez, who has a 10 second gap on Green. Seamus McGrath is the next Canadian who has moved up to 25th. Ryder Hesjedal is well back and struggling.

End of Lap 3

3 laps to go: Brentjens is alone at the front and has a gap of 1 minute over Green, who has launched an attack from the group of chasers. Ten seconds behind Roland is Roel Paulissen, and then at another 10 seconds is Hermida (the crowd roar is deafening when Hermida goes by). Seamus McGrath is in a group of 5 that are sitting 10-15th positions. Chris Sheppard and Ryder Hesjedal are together in a group that is 25th through 30th. Andreas is just inside the top 50.

End of Lap 4/Start of Lap 5

Brentjens had extended his lead to 1:45. Green, Hermida and Paulissen were together and chasing. Christophe Dupouey was 30 seconds behind them. Seamus McGrath was still battling it out for 10th, but now the group was 6 riders. Sheppard had moved up to 21st, Ryder dropped to 32nd and Andreas 65th.

1/3 of the way into lap 5, Green has attacked, taking Roel Paulissen with him and dropping Hermida. They have made up 10 seconds on Brentjens.

Start of 6th and final lapBrentjens has really extended his gap. He now has a comfortable 2:15 on Green and Paulissen. Hermida is now 30 seconds behind them. Next is Lado Fumic and then Filip Meirhaeghe. Seamus' group is now down to 4 going for the top 10. Sheppard is sitting 20th.